Stone mad visitors to Ahakista

BY BRIAN MOORE

THERE were some stone mad visitors to Ahakista on the Sheep’s Head recently for the peninsula’s first ever Stone Symposium.

Some of the country’s top stone carvers and dry stone wall builders gathered with enthusiasts from as far away as Canada and Germany for a weekend dedicated to working with stone.  

‘We had 21 people who came to Ahakista especially to learn the old skill of dry stone wall construction and the same number again picking up their hammers and chisels to try stone carving,’ Stone Symposium organiser and master stone carver Victor Daly told The Southern Star. 

With the weather casting an almost Mediterranean glow across Dunmanus Bay, the sound of hammers and chisels on stone could be heard from early morning until it was time for a sundowner at Arundel’s Bar.

As the festival came to an end on the Sunday evening and the stone carvers packed away their tools, the locals gathered to admire the handy work of all those who took part.

‘We created over 60 yards of dry stone wall over the two days, as well as a fire pit and barbecue with a uniquely-designed seating area,’ Victor said. 

‘ As well as that, the stone carvers created a hand-carved stone plaque or standing stone which is now place and ready to welcome visitors and locals back to Ahakista.’

Victor hopes that the West Cork Stone Symposium will become an annual event on the Sheep’s Head.

‘We had a great time, and it was fantastic to see the incredible work carried out here this weekend. I would love to see the Stone Symposium happen every year, but it’s all down to funding,’ Victor said.